When someone has an addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, shopping, gambling, or something else, there is always a feeling of euphoria that comes with it.
This pleasurable feeling, often described as “high,” makes them confident, elated, and invincible.
The drug-induced high is so addictive that most people want to pursue it continuously; however, it is usually fleeting and leaves as quickly as it comes.
Reading time: 8 min
When someone has an addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, shopping, gambling, or something else, there is always a feeling of euphoria that comes with it. This pleasurable feeling, often described as “high,” makes them confident, elated, and invincible. The drug-induced high is so addictive that most people want to pursue it continuously; however, it is usually fleeting and leaves as quickly as it comes. This leads to a drug comedown, a terrible state of physical and mental health with a myriad of severe symptoms that make it difficult to survive without abusing the responsible drug.
A drug comedown is one of the most frightening aspects of quitting a substance use disorder. Without professional help, overcoming it can become challenging. Fortunately, support is available to get through these difficult times without relapsing back to addictive behaviours. (source: FindTreatment.gov, n.d.)
A drug comedown refers to the effects of a drug wearing off. It occurs when drug overuse dissipates. Variations occur depending on how long someone has been using the substance or their current health status. The effects of comedown can be pleasant or unpleasant depending on the type of high that preceded it. If the drug triggers symptoms like delusions, anxiousness, or discomfort, the comedown that follows it is usually good. On the contrary, the comedown is mostly a disappointment if the high is pleasant with symptoms like high energy and increased focus.
The effects of a comedown can last for a few hours up to a few days. During this period, a user undergoing addiction treatment or practising sobriety is at the highest risk of relapse. The effects associated with it can sometimes get so intense that some people often take another dose of the same drug or a different one to make them go away. This habit can worsen the comedown and trigger a cycle of drug use that potentially leads to long-term addiction. (source: NIMH, n.d.)
The symptoms associated with comedowns from alcohol or drugs can range from mild to severe. When a person falls victim to addiction, their body gets so used to having a constant level of the substance in their system that it may take some time for them to detox and learn how to cope without it.
For example, opiates induce a release of ten times more amount of dopamine than its naturally-produced levels in the brain. The body reduces its natural production to compensate for this dopamine surge. When an individual tries to quit using the drugs and undergoes detox, the lack of dopamine triggers a constellation of symptoms that persist until the body adjusts to the new circumstances and starts producing dopamine on its own again. This timeframe required for adjustment, known as a comedown, can continue for several weeks, making it challenging for people to continue. Other symptoms include headaches, nausea, reduced appetite, exhaustion, irritability, stress, and flatness of mood. Not all people with addiction experience comedowns the same way. For some, the gradual lessening of the drug’s effect produces milder symptoms, while others may experience a sudden, more intense crash. [3]
A world-class residential drug rehab program is highly recommended to ease the comedown symptoms. Such facilities are well-equipped to provide psychological, medical, and emotional support to individuals in detox while helping them learn healthy coping strategies.
If you plan to quit drugs or alcohol but are afraid of the pain and suffering associated with a comedown, you’ll want to stay clean and not use the offending drug again. However, cravings can sometimes get too difficult and intense. Fortunately, with the right guidance, you can get through the detox while staying off the offending drug to experience total recovery. [4]
Mentioned below are some tips to minimise the discomfort of comedowns and support addiction recovery:
Get Professional Help
Getting off of any drug can be tricky. If there is even a small shadow of doubt about your ability to do it and succeed on its own, try getting help from an addiction specialist. Undergoing detox with the help of a specialist can help you ride out cravings, minimise the pain, and reduce the risk of relapse. [5]
Pay Attention to Nutrition and Hydration
If you are soon to begin detox and anticipate going through a comedown, hydration and nutrition are the most important things to focus on. Comedowns can suppress the appetite, making individuals lose weight and lack essential nutrients. Ensure that you eat a well-balanced diet to fulfil your calorie demands and gain all crucial minerals and vitamins to stay healthy. (source: CDC, 2024)
Most drugs, such as meth, can dry you out, and there is a good chance that you will already be dehydrated before the comedown begins. Remember to drink lots of water throughout the process to maintain hydration and prevent symptoms like lethargy, fatigue, and headache.
Get Proper Sleep
Drugs and alcohol are well-known to interfere with sleep patterns, and many people take it to stay up all night with high focus and energy. When you start detoxing your body from these drugs, focus on re-establishing healthy sleep patterns. Set a fixed sleep schedule and commit to sticking with it. A well-rested body and mind can help you think clearly and better participate in the recovery. It can also help you gain better impulse control and prevent you from giving in to drugs when cravings become too intense. (source: NHS, 2022)
Keep Yourself Busy
Your drug comedown is going to be uncomfortable no matter what. Once you have gone through the peak intensity of the physical symptoms, try to stay busy in various activities to get through the remainder of the comedown. Having plans with family and friends can take the mind off the pain and discomfort associated with a comedown. Alternatively, sitting idle and feeling bored can trigger a craving and eventually a relapse.
Join Support Groups
Support groups have been helping people fight addictions and substance use disorders for years. Some of them are specifically created to help individuals based on their type of addiction. For example, you may find a support group dedicated to meth addiction, stimulant addiction, heroin addiction, etc. These support groups have members, sometimes in hundreds, who help each other stay sober by sharing experiences, providing advice, and giving support. (source: WHO, 2019)
Focus on General Wellness
Focusing on general wellness can make a recovery from all types of drugs and alcohol easier. Consider engaging in an exercise program to boost strength and improve your physical health. For mental health, joining a psychotherapy session can help deal with any issues related to addiction and general life. Don’t forget to focus on other bodywork, such as chiropractic work or massage, to ensure your body gets healthy. Nutritional therapy can also help individuals fight addiction by restoring healthy eating patterns to make up for all vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in the body. Remember, a healthy and physically stable body can significantly speed up recovery and make it easier to get through comedowns without relapses.
Everyone has a different recovery experience. However, the good news is that most people who quit drugs and alcohol regain energy, sometimes in only a few weeks. Of course, how quickly you recover varies, depending on your overall health, the type and amount of substance used, and how long you have been using it. Emotional and lifestyle factors, such as whether you have enough support or if you feel safe with the people around you, also drastically impact recovery. [9]
If you are not in a supportive environment, it can become increasingly difficult to replenish your energy levels and battle addictions after substance use. In such circumstances, resources and dedicated facilities help you make a fresh start. Join a drug addiction rehab to heal and recover from comedowns and addictions in a well-supported environment.
FAQs
How long does a comedown last?
The exact length of a comedown varies depending on the type of drug used, duration of use, and the amount taken. For chronic abusers, comedown can be significantly shorter yet cause severe damage to their mental health. The more drugs they use, the more intense and unpleasant the comedown becomes. For example, crack comedown can kick in minutes to hours after the drugs leave the body. Amphetamine comedown, on the other hand, may take 6 hours on average to begin and may last for days.
What is the difference between drugs comedown and rebound effect?
Comedown refers to the set of feelings experienced when the effects of a drug are wearing off after an episode of intoxication. Some people describe it as coming down from the drug-induced “high.” A rebound effect, on the other hand, is what happens when the body strives to achieve balance after consumption of a drug, and this leads to the development of physical symptoms opposite to those caused by the drug. For instance, a sedative drug that usually induces drowsiness and relaxation may cause a rebound effect characterised by severe agitation.
How do comedowns complicate alcohol addiction?
Individuals who experience an uncomfortable alcohol comedown after each drink may feel the urge to curb these effects by consuming more alcohol, known as relief cravings. This phenomenon is also experienced in drug addictions and is referred to as the dark side of the addiction, in which the motivation to take drugs or drinks comes from a desire to avoid comedowns or crashes instead of getting high. This unusual phenomenon can make a recovery from addiction potentially challenging.
This article was written by THE BALANCE’s clinical content team and reviewed by a licensed medical or mental health professional (such as an MD, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or equivalent). Our reviewers ensure that the information reflects current research, accepted medical guidelines, and best practices in mental health and addiction treatment. THE BALANCE’s medical editors draw on extensive real-world clinical experience supporting individuals in residential, outpatient, and luxury private treatment settings across Europe and internationally.
Editorial Standards & Integrity
THE BALANCE follows strict editorial and clinical review standards to ensure accuracy, balance, and reliability:
All medical statements rely on authoritative sources such as the WHO, NIMH, APA, NHS, CDC, and SAMHSA
Statistics use the most recent and reliable research available
No medical or therapeutic claims are made without clear, verifiable evidence
Content is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect evolving science, treatment guidelines, and clinical best practices
Commercial interests do not influence clinical accuracy; all clinical insights are reviewed independently
Recommendations include context, limitations, and alternatives where appropriate
How We Review Sources
Our clinical writers and editors rely on:
Peer-reviewed research and meta-analyses
National and international treatment guidelines
Professional bodies and regulatory authorities
Verified public data from reputable institutions
We do not use anecdotal reports, unverified claims, or commercially biased sources. Every factual claim is supported by established evidence.
Conflicts of Interest
THE BALANCE provides private mental health and addiction treatment services. However, our clinical reviewers ensure that all content remains objective, non-promotional, and balanced. When discussing treatment options, we outline limitations, risks, and alternatives. Our priority is reader safety and informed decision-making.
How to Use This Information Safely
Mental health and addiction conditions are complex and vary significantly between individuals. The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. To maintain accuracy and trust, THE BALANCE updates articles regularly as new research and clinical guidance become available.
+
Do you need help?
If you’re struggling, you don’t have to handle it alone. Support is available - whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or dealing with alcohol or drug-related concerns. If you feel unsafe, are at risk of harming yourself, or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number immediately.
Talk to Someone Now (Free & Confidential)
Choose your country to find a trusted helpline near you:
Telefono Amico Italia: 800 860 022 or 02 2327 2327
Not an Emergency, but You Want Support?
If you’re not in immediate danger but are worried about yourself or someone you care about, reaching out early can make a meaningful difference.
Explore Care Options Near You
This website lists verified mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and treatment programs searchable by country and location. Use the “Find treatment” / “Providers” section to explore available options.
Or Reach Out to Us
If you’d like help understanding next steps, you can contact our team confidentially. We’ll listen without judgment and help you explore appropriate options.
Contact our team
Phone: +41445005111
Email: help@thebalance.clinic
Availability: Mon–Sun, 07:00–22:00 CET
Not sure what to say? You can simply write: “I need help.” We’ll take it from there.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone close to you, we offer a discreet, clinician-led process to help you understand suitable options and next steps.
1 Speak confidentially
A private conversation to understand your situation, concerns, and goals - without pressure or obligation.
2 Receive clinical guidance
Our team will advise on suitability, appropriate options, and recommended next steps based on your needs.
3 Access coordinated care
If appropriate, we support assessment, admission logistics, and continuity of care planning - including family involvement where helpful.
